Chapter 8 Operating

Systems and Utility Programs

System Software

• What is system software?

Programs that Programs that maintain operation maintain operation

of computerof computer

Two types are Two types are operating systems operating systems

and utility programsand utility programs

Operating system (OS) Operating system (OS) (sometimes called the platform) (sometimes called the platform)

coordinates all activities coordinates all activities among computer among computer

hardware hardware resourcesresources

Operating Systems• What are the functions of an operating system?

administer security

start the computer

manage memory

monitor performance

control a network

provide a user interface

manage programs

provide file management and other utilities

establish an Internet connection

schedule jobs and configure devices

Operating System Functions• What is booting?

Cold boot Turning on computer that has been powered off

Warm boot Restarting computer that is powered on

Process of starting or restarting a computer

Operating System Functions

User interacts with menus and visual images such as icons and buttons

What is a graphical user interface (GUI)?

• What is a user interface? Controls how you enter data and instructions and how

information displays on screen

• Foreground contains program you are using

• Background contains programs that are running but are not in use

Operating System Functions•What is single user/ multitasking?

Working on two or more programs that reside in memory at same time

Has duplicate components such as processors, memory,

and disk drives

Enables two or more users to run programs simultaneously

Continues to operate when one of its components

fails

Operating System FunctionsWhat are other program management features of

operating systems?

Can support two or more processors running programs

at same time

fault-tolerant computerfault-tolerant computer

multi-usermulti-user

multiprocessingmultiprocessing

Operating System Utility Programs

• What is a utility program? System software that performs

maintenance-type tasks Also called

utility

Operating System Utility Programs

• What is a file manager? Performs functions such as copying, renaming,

deleting, and moving files Image viewer

displays contents of graphics file when you double click on it

Operating System Utility Programs

• What is an uninstaller?

In Windows XP, In Windows XP, uninstaller is in Add/Remove uninstaller is in Add/Remove

Programs in Control PanelPrograms in Control Panel

Removes a Removes a program and program and

all associated filesall associated files

Operating System Utility Programs

• What is a disk scanner?

Detects and corrects problems on hard disk

Searches for and removes unnecessary files

Stand-aloneStand-alone

Types of Operating Systems• What are three categories of operating systems?

EmbeddedEmbedded NetworkNetwork

Stand-Alone Operating Systems• What is DOS (Disk Operating System)?

DD

Developed in Developed in early 1980s early 1980s for personal for personal computerscomputers

OO

Used command-line Used command-line interface when first interface when first

developed, later developed, later included menusincluded menusSSHardly used today Hardly used today

because it does because it does not offer GUInot offer GUI

Fast, reliable Windows operating system

Stand-Alone Operating Systems

• What is Windows XP?

Successor to Windows XP, containing a new interface and new / enhanced features

Stand-Alone Operating Systems

• What is Windows Vista?

Available in several editions, grouped into Home and Business categories

Stand-Alone Operating Systems

• What is Mac OS X?

Available only for computers manufactured by Apple Macintosh operating system has been model for most

GUIs

Stand-Alone Operating Systems

• What is UNIX?

Used by power users because of its flexibility and power Most versions offer GUI Available for computers of all sizes

Stand-Alone Operating Systems

• What is Linux?

Red Hat provides a version of Linux called Red Hat Enterprise Linux.

Popular, free, multitasking UNIX-type operating system Open-source softwaree—

code is available to public

Both a stand-alone and a network operating system

Network Operating Systems

NetWareNetWare

Designed for Designed for client/server client/server

networksnetworks

Windows Windows Server 2003Server 2003

Upgrade to Windows Upgrade to Windows 2000 Server2000 Server

UNIX / LinuxUNIX / Linux

Multi-purposeMulti-purposeoperating systemoperating system

SolarisSolaris Version of UNIX Version of UNIX developed by Sun developed by Sun

MicrosystemsMicrosystems

Specifically for Specifically for e-commerce e-commerce applicationsapplications

What are examples of network operating systems?

Embedded Operating Systems

•What is an embedded operating system?

Found on most mobile computers, PDAs, and other small devices

Windows CE is scaled-down version of Windows

Stand-Alone Utility Programs• What is a virus? Potentially damaging computer program Affects computer without user’s knowledge

SIGNS OF SIGNS OF VIRUS VIRUS

INFECTIONINFECTION

• An unusual message or image is displayed on the computer screen• An unusual sound or music plays randomly• The available memory is less than what should be available• A program or file suddenly is missing• An unknown program or file mysteriously appears• The size of a file changes without explanation• A file becomes corrupted• A program or file does not work properly• System properties change

Stand-Alone Utility Programs• What is an antivirus program?

Identifies and removes viruses in memory, storage media, and incoming files

Must be updated frequently